As of May 23rd , 2024:
- Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) launched the EcoLevy Program which requires Pre-shipment inspection and payment of advance eco-levy fees for electronic communication equipment shipped from Rest of World to Tanzania.
- The complete list of impacted goods can be found here: Tanzania - EcoLevy program - Datasheet Rev 0. (bureauveritas.com)
- The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has implemented the EcoLevy Program to prevent the import of electronic waste, collect taxes to promote the recycling of electronic communication equipment, and reduce the impact of e-waste on humans and on the environment by the reduction of pollutants at the end of cycle of the product.
What does this mean for you?
Impact for Shippers:
- Ensure that the electronic communication equipment is Type Approved
- Register with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to receive bills and make payments at website
- Submit an application to import the electronic communication equipment through the link
- Ensure the electronic communication equipment has undergone a pre-shipment inspection by the appointed specialist testing company Bureau Veritas, in the country of export (at origin) prior to shipping to Tanzania
- Pay advance eco-levy fees in respect of new or used electronic communication equipment prior to shipping to Tanzania.
Impact for Receivers:
- Receivers in Tanzania must inform their Shippers (from the Rest of the World) to submit an application to import the electronic communication equipment through the link
- Receivers in Tanzania will receive an EcoLevy certificate after payment (by the Shipper) of the Eco-Levy fee and successful assessment of the consignment (by the Shipper) via a Verigates account or e-mail from the Bureau Veritas issuing or liaison office.
- Receivers in Tanzania will be contacted by DHL Express Tanzania and asked to provide the EcoLevy Certificate when importing electronic communication equipment to facilitate customs clearance of these commodities.
How can you avoid delays?
To avoid delays, shippers from Rest of World to Tanzania must:
- Understand the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) EcoLevy Program requirements, and if their goods require an ‘EcoLevy’ Certificate (or not).
- Ensure that the electronic communication equipment being shipped from Rest of World to Tanzania have undergone Bureau Veritas assessment in the country of export (at origin) prior to shipping to Tanzania, and all advance EcoLevy fees have been paid and an ‘EcoLevy” Certificate issued (per shipment).
- Receivers in Tanzania must ensure that they have an Importation License from Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).